Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

they seem to be worse in vic for the time of year as far as i can tell

yes, it's because of global warming.

Hmmm...I left Vic over 25 years ago because of the flies ....you saying they have got worse

I heard that mint idea worked for mice. too big too feed to fish though

depends on how big the fish are is suppose!!

I've seen a system on here somewhere which did something interesting... was it Jaymie's?

It had a rotting peice of meat suspended over the tank and a big fan above it pointing down at the water. So the flys come for the meat and then get blasted into the water. Probably does something for airation as well.

wow! no, we didn't have a big fan above the tank, but it is an interesting idea.

I had the grill off a pedestal fan with scraps on it suspended above the tank.

actually, the other day I cooked a roast chook, so I kept the neck aside with plans for the fish tank. I had it sitting on a plate so the flies would get it. Then I went out to pick the kids up, Axl came home, saw it there and thought "Urk, the flies have all been at that, I'll give it to the dogs to clean up"



Oh well, next time

I was just thinking of emptying the zapper's tray into the pond for the fish. No need to attract the little buggers on purpose here, you'd kill a handful a day as it is.

Whilst searching for fish feeders, I did come across a commercial live insect fish feeder.
http://www.suttlefish.com/buglight2.htm
http://www.kens-fishfarm.com/bugomatic.asp
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fus ... 9/cid/2522


Simple operation:

Light attracts bugs/flies,
whipper snipper like blades injure insects and drop them in the water.
Fishies eat bugs

cool!

I ate three this week by accident!

My poor dog can't get them off her ears ... the buggers draw blood!

I have tried everything ... even making up a brew of wormwood tea and rinsing her in it after a soapy dog wash.

so far I have found that a burst or two of fly spray mixed into a cup of vaseline then applied to her ears keeps them of her ears for about three days... then time to re-apply ...

anyone got better methods?

poor dog

lemongrass extract is good for mozzies, dont know about flies

I feel your pain. Do you have a big dog? They tend to like them more, they're more docile I think.
We used to have a Mastiff who was given hell by the flies, scabbed her ears up horribly. so busy feeding you could swat 10 at a time with your hands. They also attacked her thighs, but that flesh healed better.

If I don't miss my guess they are 'silage flies' small black flies look just like houseflies, but drink your blood, and HURT when they bite you.

I hope you find a deterrant, we used to use surface spray direct onto her fur, or let her in during summer. - Neither were the best solution.

Silage flies live in rotting grass. Do you leave you cut grass in heaps? does anybody have a compost pit in a 500m radius (I know: hard to know if you're in the suburbs) What you needs to do is talk to all your neighbours about it, and let them know that open compost heaps, (bins are ok) are breeding these flies and making your life and your dog's hell. Maybe then some1 will fix their grass problem.

That's the only help I can offer I'm sorry I feel for your dog, can we see a pic and really get the sympathy going?